Jim Passadori

Jim Passadori, born to Jerry and Camilla Passadori on September 30, 1955, passed away peacefully at home on June 17, 2025 at the age of 69 leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Jim was a true light in our lives and the lives of others. He had a huge circle of friends and was loved by many. He brought so much love, joy, and laughter into our world. We will love and miss him the rest of our lives.

Growing up in a vibrant Atwater neighborhood filled with the warmth and friendship of families like the Wack’s, Steele’s, Myer’s, Westerdoll’s, Bautista’s and Pryor’s, Jim spent his childhood playing outside with those neighborhood friends, often returning home just in time for dinner.

Many of those same friends were also Jim’s schoolmates at St. Anthony’s School in Atwater where he attended first through eighth grades. He also spent his childhood days with his brothers, Steve and Richard, rough housing and playing outside, swimming in their parents’ pool, spending time at their grandparents’ home for authentic Italian dinners, and vacationing in Santa Cruz every summer.

An enthusiastic athlete, Jim played baseball in his youth with the Atwater City League and enjoyed his four years playing on the Atwater High School baseball team. After graduating from Atwater High School in 1973, he pursued a degree in finance at Santa Clara University, where he not only received an excellent Jesuit education but also where he embraced his passion for music as a campus late-night DJ, rocking the airwaves until the wee hours.

It was during this time at Santa Clara that Jim met the love of his life, Debi. Their romance blossomed while he was home between his junior and senior years, leading to a beautiful partnership of 47 years. After graduating from Santa Clara University in 1977, Jim returned to Atwater to join his father and grandmother in the family business where he dedicated over 40 years of his life to hard work and a commitment to continue his family’s legacy until he retired alongside his brother, Steve, in 2018.

On June 24, 1978, Jim and Debi celebrated their love with a joyous wedding. Together, they welcomed their son Ryan along with their daughter Diana into their family. Jim took great pride in being a loving husband and father, nurturing a family filled with laughter, love, and unending support.

Jim learned his love of growing a vegetable garden from his father and grandfather. He found joy in sharing his bountiful harvest with neighbors, friends, and family. His favorite pastime was playing golf, and every Wednesday and Friday, he enjoyed rounds with his “gaggle” at Rancho Del Rey Golf Course. He also played many days at Merced Golf and Country Club, where he once held membership.

As a longtime member of the Merced Elks, Jim enjoyed attending Friday night dinners there for over 20 years often joined by some of his dearest friends. His deep connection to his community was evident not only with the family business in Atwater but through his lifetime membership at St. Anthony’s Church in Atwater, where he served as a lector for 15 years. He also served on the St. Anthony’s School Board when his children attended the school. Additionally, he proudly represented the City of Atwater on the Castle Air Force Base Community Council.

Jim is predeceased by his grandparents Louis and Rose Passadori, grandmother Beryl Ward, and his parents Jerry and Camilla Passadori.

He is survived by his loving wife Debi, son Ryan, daughter Diana, brother and sister-in-law Steve and Lilly, brother Richard and dear friend Debbie Sellers, and many dear cousins.

Jim will be remembered for his kind and gregarious spirit, his laughter, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will cherish the many memories and laughter shared throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Glioblastoma Research Foundation.

With Jim’s blessing, a private service will be held for the family.

Dear love, “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jim Passadori, please visit our floral store.